The Nets couldn't close a deal for Carmelo Anthony, but they closed one for a franchise-changing player and arguably the NBA's best point guard, multiple league sources told The Record.

Deron Williams will be traded to the Nets in an out-of-the-blue three-team blockbuster deal involving Utah and Golden State. The All-Star point guard is averaging 21.3 points and is third in the league in assists, dishing 9.7 per game.

Williams' arrival should make the Nets a competitive team again and give them their first real superstar in his prime since another point guard, Jason Kidd, lobbed alley-oop passes and hoisted Eastern Conference championship trophies for New Jersey.

Nets general manager Billy King rebounded quickly after learning Anthony would be headed to the Knicks on Monday and was able to put this deal together.

King called Jazz general manager Kevin O'Connor – the two are close from their time working together Philadelphia 76ers - and inquired about Williams. He had run-ins with ex-Jazz coach Jerry Sloan that contributed to his resignation two weeks ago and undoubtedly had something to do with O'Connor deciding to make this trade.